Thiago Matheus

My PhD research is a comparative study that explores the different models of Open List Proportional Representation systems (OLPR) adopted worldwide. It investigates whether the adoption of OLPR can be singled out as a sufficient cause for phenomena such as unstable party systems and elevated corruption levels. According to this study, a range of factors, including the political context before the adoption of the electoral system and the socio-economic conditions of the country, should also be considered in this analysis. Furthermore, the scope of the comparative studies on OLPR models needs to be extended from established democracies to new democracies outside Western Europe. Delving into the complexities within OLPR models implemented by these countries is essential. The study aims to present both theoretical and empirical contributions to the understanding of the consequences of electoral systems by conducting comparative analyses that incorporate data from young democracies and employing statistical models across the diverse set of OLPR-adopting countries. It outlines the Open-List Proportional Representation systems adopted worldwide and investigates their associations with the behavior of institutional variables, such as party fragmentation, electoral proportionality, turnout, and women's representation.